Last week UEP hosted an event for current, former, and prospective students in the mid-career Master of Public Policy program. The event, hosted at the Tufts Interfaith Center, was an opportunity for MPP and MA students to hear more about reasons for entering the program and how it has helped them in their careers. Since 2002, the MPP program has been helping local practitioners to enhance their professional practice, pursue career shifts, and find a space for reflection and rejuvenation.
Panelists:
- Mary Ann Crayton (2007) – Senior Director of Community Engagement for Boston Public Schools
- Doug Cress (2013) – Director of Health and Human Services Department for the City of Somerville
- Allentza Michel (2015) – Founder & Principal of Powerful Pathways Consulting
- Elaine Ng (2014) – Director of Strategic Planning and Special Education at Boston Public Schools
- Alex Oliver-Davila (2013) – Executive Director of Sociedad Latina and member of the Boston School Committee
From Left: Current M.P.P. students Maria Ortiz and Sibu Malaba, M.P.P. alumni Alex Oliver-Davila (2013), Elaine Ng (2014), Doug Kress (2013), Allentza Michel (2015), and Mary Ann Crayton (2007)
Since 2002, 130 students have enrolled in the MPP program, which is a 1-year full-time or 2-3 year part-time degree program, flexible to suit work constraints. The curriculum focuses on program evaluation, negotiations, Geographic Information Systems, financial management, philanthropy and fundraising.
Nearly 30% of MPPers are over 45 years of age, with the median age being 38. 47% of enrolling MPP students from 2002-2013 have been people of color and 60% have been women. 69% are employed full-time and 21% part-time. MPP is known as a social justice and community-oriented professional public policy program for students bringing at least 7 years of relevant professional experience working on issues like affordable housing, neighborhood development, social welfare, sustainable communities, and environmental management. More information about the program can be found here.